Classifieds Hero: 1992 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0

Possessing gorgeous lines and a mohair drop-top, the Spider makes a surprisingly competent but rare rival to the Mazda MX-5. We take a peek…

Few, if any, models from Alfa Romeo’s extensive catalogue of sporty yet elegant cars can match the impressive number of years that the Spider remained in production.

Serving as the successor to the Giulia Spider, this model was launched in 1966 and, with only minor aesthetic and mechanical modifications along the way, continued to sell right up until 1994. Likely to be forever associated with Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, the slender Alfa roadster was blessed with Pininfarina styling and went on to prove a remarkable success for the Italian marque.

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This particular 2-litre Spider from 1992 represents the fourth series of the long-standing model that, despite being unexpectedly capable, has been somewhat overlooked within the classic car scene until now.

This scenario is true for open-top two-seaters from many different manufacturers, thanks to past speculation that roadsters would be outlawed in the USA – which happens to be the largest market for exactly this kind of car. However, as with all models boasting a similar set-up, values for series four Alfa Romeo Spiders have begun to rise significantly over the past year. As would be expected, well cared-for and low-mileage examples are being snapped up most keenly.

Now that we’ve all calmed down a little about the incredibly popular Mazda MX-5, it seems the credentials of the pretty fourth series are starting to receive the acknowledgement they deserved all along.

The aesthetics of these Spiders became more streamlined, with smoother plastic bumpers colour co-ordinated to the car’s body paint and slimmer rear light clusters that stretched across the boot. Underneath, a Bosch Motronic fuel-injection system, ZF power steering and on-board diagnostics worked to improve the power, handling and feedback.

Alfa’s fourth-series Spider may be 150kg heavier than an MX-5, but it offers much to compensate for this kerbweight discrepancy. Fitted with a revvy and charismatic 1962cc twin-cam engine, the Spider delivers a broad spread of torque and can boast 120bhp. This is more than enough to give a 1.6 MX-5 a sharp run for its money, while the Alfa remains far more unusual and its styling is much more chic.

To maintain those oh-so-good looks, this particular example for sale in the AutoClassics classifieds has recently benefitted from considerable restorative works including a full respray in silver as well as a completely retrimmed interior. A full set of replacement carpets have been fitted throughout, while the seats and door cards have been enhanced with bold upholstery in Blue Scottish Squares cloth.

Mechanically, this Alfa Romeo carries a modest odometer reading of 89,000km, has a fully responsive engine and boasts an MoT that will see you through to June 2018. In addition to some £11,000 of reconditioning work, the Spider also comes with details of its original sale and guarantee, as well as the relevant handbooks and service book. We just can’t think what’s not to like…